Towards a Green-Skilled Workforce

Towards a Green-Skilled Workforce

Australia’s climate reckoning is also a skills crisis. More than half of Australian businesses expect climate change to financially impact them within the decade, yet many are unprepared for the regulatory and work shifts ahead. As mandatory climate reporting looms and the demand for sustainability strategies accelerates, a new frontier of capability is emerging.

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This year’s report explores the climate-driven shift reshaping Australian workforces, including:

  • The growing risks of climate inaction, from lost productivity to rising insurance premiums and litigation
  • The green skills gap facing all industries, and the business benefits of upskilling for climate resilience
  • The steps businesses can take today: reskilling teams, mapping capability gaps, and preparing for new reporting obligations.
  • Australia will need over one million green-skilled workers by 2030. Investing in these skills isn’t just risk management – it's an opportunity to build resilience, unlock innovation, and deliver up to $1.7 billion in wage growth for Australian workers.

 

Female wind energy specialist monitors turbine operations in field, showcasing sustainable technology and environmental awareness
As the impacts of climate change intensify, green-skilled businesses will be better positioned to not just survive but thrive.

The cost of climate inaction is rising, so is the demand for green skills

Potential cost to the economy from the impact of high temperatures over the next 40 years

Of large businesses aren’t ready for mandatory climate reporting

Additional green-skilled workers needed by 2030

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag float-start torres strait flag float-start

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information